Viva Chocolato!

3401 Esperanza Crossing #104 (in the Domain), 339-VIVA (8482)
Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, noon-10pm
www.vivachocolato.com

Modeled after European cafes and with a mission of “connecting people over chocolate,” this locally owned chocolaterie at the Domain is truly a paradise for chocolate lovers. Granted, it is high-end, and the prices are a bit dear. But, oh man, what chocolate!

Owners Mark and Melissa Adams and partner Nino De Falcis spent more than a year carefully tasting and selecting the amazing array of domestic and imported truffles that sit behind the glass counters like tiny pieces of fine art. They also have an in-house chocolatier who makes a few flavors of original truffles, including a dark-chocolate jalapeño and a blue-cheese truffle that is the best piece of chocolate I have ever put in my mouth. Creamy, salty, bitter, and slightly nutty, it’s a world of flavor in one bite. All I could think of was how great it would be to have a few of these with a glass of Port.

Thankfully, the folks behind Viva Chocolato! share my passion and carry a small list of wines, carefully selected to pair with chocolate. In fact, they have different wine and chocolate flights every day of the week, providing an opportunity to taste three wines – sparkling, red, white, Port, or a combination – with three domestic truffles for only $15. A daily 5-7pm happy hour also features wine and chocolate specials, and they host a ladies’ Diva Night on Mondays from 7pm ’til close, plus live music on weekends.

The offerings also include coffee drinks, sundaes, decadent cakes, a variety of ChocoFundues, and homemade gelato (made with organic milk) in delicious Italian-inspired flavors including – of course – chocolate. The cozy and cute patio is perfect for a couple to share dessert and drinks after dinner, and they’ll be serving a special Valentine’s menu. – Claudia Alarcón

This article appears in February 8 • 2008.

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Mexico City native Claudia Alarcón has made Austin home since 1984. She worked her way through college in the local restaurant industry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1999. She has been a Chronicle contributor for 15 years and presents lectures and workshops on topics related to the foodways of Mexico, both locally and internationally.